ASK-SEARCH-KNOCK

Ordinary Time: Week 27 Readings I - Mal. 3: 13 - 4:2 II - Lk. 11: 5-13 ASK-SEARCH-KNOCK Prayer is all about A.S.K. that is Ask-Search-Knock incorporated with the theological virtues and in persistence. Ask with charity, search with faith and knock with hope and it shall be done. Ask God in love: love for God, self and neighbour so that we be selfless and right in addressing our petitions, invocations and intercessions to the Lord. Search for God with utmost faith even when all around is dark for the Bible says, “Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you” (Ps. 139:12) so that we find him so closer to us than our very breath (Ps. 46: 1). Knock at the door of the paradise with a hope of a child towards his father and will be opened. Never cease to ASK with Charity, Faith and Hope and it will be done all for the good of the person and for the glory of God.

POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII

Ordinary Time: Week 27 Readings I - Jonah 4: 1-11 II - Lk. 11: 1-4 POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII From the Gospel passage today we infer that every rabbi taught his disciples to pray. Inspired by the prayer life of Jesus, the disciples insisted Jesus to teach them too to pray. May be because they realised that the power of his words and the passion for his mission was the fruit of his prayer life. The life was Jesus was a life of integrity. The credibility of the life of Jesus made the disciples to desire for learning how to pray. Prayer is the well spring and life stream of a happy, contented, joyful, peaceful and fruitful living. The happiness and contentment come from humble acceptance submission to the will of God in prayer. Prayer paves a hotline connect with God helping us courageously face all things is life with the serenity and tranquility. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Pope St. John XXIII. He was pope from October 28 1958 until June 3 1963 when he died at the age of 81 years in his Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. Instead of becoming a short-period pope who would do nothing, Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council on October 11 1962, the council that changed for the better, the face of Catholicism in matters of liturgy, ecumenism, approach to the world, and evangelization. He had been a humorous pope. He loved his flock so much that he was also termed as ‘people’s pope’. He went around Rome to visit the sick in hospitals, prisoners in the jail, reformatory schools for juvenile delinquents, and other institutions that take care of the least of the society. This kind gesture made many people to feel the presence of God in him. He toiled for the people and for the Church in an unassuming way. He actualized prayer in his life. May the life of the saint inspire us to live our lives unassumingly but with God.

CHOOSE THE BETTER PART

Ordinary Time: Week 27 Readings I - Jonah 3: 1-10 II - Lk. 10: 38-42 CHOOSE THE BETTER PART Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. The two sisters chose their own roles in expressing their hospitality and love to their beloved guest, Jesus: Martha, to serve the Lord and her sister Mary, to sit at the feet of the Lord and to listen to him. Mary was considered to have chosen the better part because she was totally present to the Lord in listening to him that she was neither distracted nor disturbed by anything or anyone. On the other hand, Martha was working for the Lord but she was worried about many things that she began to blame Mary and accuse Jesus for not caring about her when she was alone doing all works. Which is better? To choose and to be committed or to choose and to be distracted? Mary was committed in listening to the Lord, the lot that she chose therefore Mary had chosen the better part. In our expression of love and devotion to the Lord we do often compare and contrast ourselves with others. The expression and devotion to the Lord could be contained in our prayer life, in our listening to the Word of God, in helping the poor, in serving the needy, in rescuing the suffering, in relieving the oppressed and in loving the least in the society. In this process one need not compare and get distracted but to accomplish with utmost devotion, love, care and reverence. Otherwise all our works and efforts would go a waste in vain. Let us choose the better part like Mary in loving and serving the Lord with love

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Ordinary Time: Week 27 Readings I - Jonah. 1: 1-17; 2: 1, 10 II - Lk. 10: 25-37 LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR In today’s Gospel passage Jesus prescribes only two conditions to inherit eternal life: one, to love God above all and two, to love the neighbour. From the parable of the Good Samaritan we infer that every fellow being in need of our help is our neighbour. The priest and the Levite who served the Lord, failed to serve the bleeding man who was in dire need of their help. The Samaritan, an outcast, was moved with compassion and helped him in saving his life. Jesus gives the Samaritan as model for them to imitate in their love for their neighbour. We flock to churches, take up pilgrimage and attend retreats to experience God and to reciprocate our love for God often failing to recognise his residence in every human persons as well. Every person is a temple of God. In the suffering of every person, God suffers; in the rejection of every person, God is rejected and in the neglect of every fellow being, God is neglected. Love of God and love of neighbour can never be separated, they are intertwined. Love of God implies love of neighbour and vice versa. Love God in neighbour and inherit the eternal reward.

LIVE BY GOD’S STANDARDS

Ordinary Time (Sunday): Week 27 Readings I - Is 5: 1-7 II - Phil. 4: 6-9 III - Mt. 21: 33-43 LIVE BY GOD’S STANDARDS The three readings of the day focus on fruitful living. In the first reading taken from Prophet Isaiah, Israel is symbolized as the finest vine planted by God’s own hands that yielded only wild grapes, disappointing God. In the Gospel reading Jesus uses the parable of the wicked tenants to describe his predilection for Israel, the people of God. In the parable, the master sends his servants to get his due from the tenants to whom he had leased out his vineyard but the tenants beat them and drove them off the vineyard. Finally the master sends his own son so that they respond to him. But, they threw him out and killed him. The Kingdom of God is the vineyard and the tenants are the people of God. Jesus came to his own and his own accepted him not. The Gospel passage ends saying that the Kingdom of Heaven will be given to people producing fruits. We are the New Israel, the Children of God, created in the likeness and image of God the Father Himself, redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, His Son and our Lord and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. We will be able to yield good fruits if we fix our mind on what St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians says in the Second reading, “whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Therefore lift your heart unto the Lord, Listen to God’s voice and live a credible life to inherit eternal happiness.

OUR LADY OF ROSARY

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Acts 1: 12-14 II - Lk. 1: 26-8 OUR LADY OF ROSARY Today the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Rosary. The feast was instituted by Pope Pius V in 1953 as a thanksgiving for the victory of the Christians over the Turks in the battle of Lepanto. The Rosary is precisely a contemplative prayer. Pope Paul the VI had described it saying, “As a Gospel prayer, centered on the mystery of the redemptive incarnation, The Rosary is a prayer with a clearly Christological orientation”. Mother Mary, during her apparitions at Lourdes to Bernadette and in Fatima to Lucia, Jacinta and Francesco has exhorted to pray the Rosary. Pope John Paul II in his apostolic letter on the Rosary, ‘Rosarium Virginis Mariae’ says that Mother Mary is active on the soul that ponders or contemplates Jesus through the eyes of Mary in praying the Rosary. In praying the Rosary we are united to Christ her Divine Son. The Gospel passage of the day is on the ‘Angelus’. Every day we pray the angelus three times contemplating the incarnation of the Son of God, we recite and remember at least fifty three times the greetings of the angel Gabriel to Mother Mary while praying the Rosary. Rosary is the compendium of the Gospel. While praying the rosary we contemplate Jesus himself honoring his blessed mother Mary. If we wish to be united with God and with one another, all we have to do is to pray the Rosary. Rosary is a popular family devotion. As we are in the month of Rosary, let us devoutly pray every bead entrusting ourselves and all our intentions into the loving hand of our dear mother Mary who accompanies us in our life journey as she did the apostles in the first reading. May our Lady of Rosary help us, guide and support us in our every walk of life.

ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S BLESSINGS

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Bar. 1: 15-22 II - Lk. 10: 13-16 ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S BLESSINGS In today’s Gospel passage Jesus condemns the cities that failed to repent even after witnessing the mighty works of Jesus. On the roads of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum Jesus performed so many miracles and alas! The people in their stubbornness of heart they never relented to repent. The ruins found today bears testimony to the words of Jesus. Had these miracles been done in the pagan cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, they would have turned from their wickedness, yielded to repentance and consequently to conversion of heart. Often we are like those cities, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. We may be receiving grace after grace and blessings after blessing. But in the moment of testing times we fail to place our trust in the Lord. It is at those moments we are called to assert our faith and trust in the Lord. Only stubborn people don’t. Be not stubborn like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, instead, be open to the voice of God that comes especially through the Scripture.

ST. MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Neh. 8: 1-4, 5-6, 7-12 II - Lk. 10: 1-12 ST. MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Faustina Kowlaska to whom Jesus chose as his messenger to the modern world with his message of love and mercy. Jesus appeared as the King of Divine Mercy and insisted, “Humanity will not find peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy”. Every time Jesus appeared to Faustina, he spoke of his unfathomable love and mercy for the all humankind especially the sinners. Even when the superiors, church authorities and the theologians doubted St. Faustina, she endured everything in obedience and with patience. This was the fruit of her prayer life of which Jesus himself was so much pleased. St. Faustina was canonised by St. Pope John Paul II. The picture of the divine mercy of Jesus is the one that was given to Faustina in her vision by Jesus including the short prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you”. Today’s Gospel passage is about the trust and tutoring of Jesus. With great trust in the seventy two, Jesus sends them ahead of him to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. To them he entrusts the mission of preaching about the Kingdom of God; and healing and curing of the sick. He does not send them just like that. He tutors them with instructions on their focus about the mission and provision for their livelihood. He gave them a purpose to their life and cared for their provisions as well. We are called to be the disciples of Jesus. May the saint of the day help us to be the credible witnesses of Jesus as she did.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Ordinary Time: Week 27 Readings I - Neh. 2: 1-8 II - Lk. 9: 57-62 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI The expression of every love varies. Every expression is unique and beautiful if done with an undivided heart and absolute attention. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi who chose to love the Lord in embracing poverty and serving poor and the sick especially the lepers. He was the founder of the order of the Franciscans. Francis of Assisi was from a Nobel and wealthy family. He was the son of a cloth merchant. Enamored by the love of God, he gave away everything and embraced poverty to the extent of stripping himself off his clothes. St. Francis of Assisi embraced the entire creation of God in love and friendship to the extent of calling God’s creation as brothers and sisters viz. Mother earth, brother sun, sister moon, brother fire and sister water in his ‘Canticle of creature’. He is the Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. Taken up by the poverty of Jesus in the manger, he set up the first live nativity scene in honour of the birth of Jesus - the Christmas crib. He was so much taken up by the poverty of Jesus in the manger. During his last years he was completely blind but never a word of complaint was heard to be uttered from his mouth. He also had the gift of stigmata with an excruciating pain partaking in the suffering of the Lord. He died reciting Psalms 141 and 142. Unlike the men who gave silly reasons to the call of Jesus to follow him in the Gospel passage of the day, St. Francis of Assisi born of a wealthy family, gave up everything only to follow the Lord. Giving up everything for the Lord is gaining everything for life eternal. This is what St. Francis of Assisi did. May St. Assisi give the courage to let go and forego for the sake of Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

DO NOT REACT BUT RESPOND

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Zech. 8: 20-23 II - Lk. 9: 51-56 DO NOT REACT BUT RESPOND Jesus was focused about his mission and ministry; and therefore set his face to go to Jerusalem when the days drew near for him to be taken up. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem through Samaria, the shortcut to Jerusalem. Though Jesus was already renowned and hailed by people as teacher, preacher and healer, the Samaritans did not receive him into their city because of the constant conflict between the Jews and the Samaritans. The Jews considered the Samaritans as outcasts and never associated with them. But to go to Jerusalem they always chose the shortcut through Samaria and this caused prejudice in the minds of the Samaritans and hence they refused to receive Jesus too into their city. The disciples of Jesus, James and John wanted Jesus to command them to bring down fire from heave to destroy them. But Jesus rebuked his disciples and went through another village to Jerusalem. We can draw two lessons from the Gospel passage of the day. First, the Samaritans in their prejudice received not Jesus, the promised one of God and the restorer (Deu. 18:15) whom they believed in and waited for. And Secondly, Jesus was so gentle and understanding enough to respect the freedom and feelings of the Samaritans that he went through another village to Jerusalem. Everyone has their own reason for their reaction. When we choose to go beyond and to respond, we will be sure to cease the chances, opportunities, prospects and possibilities ahead unlike the Samaritans. Let us also like Jesus, be gentle and respect the freedom of others than violating, coercing and trampling.

THE GUARDIAN ANGELS

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Ex. 23: 20-23 II - Mt. 18: 1-5, 10 THE GUARDIAN ANGELS Today the Church celebrates the memorial of the Guardian angels. The feast originated in Spain during the sixteenth century. It was extended to the universal Church and made obligatory in 1670. Angels are messengers from God. They are with us to protect, guard and to lead towards eternal life. This is evinced by today’s Gospel passage where we read, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father”. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life (336)”. The protection of angels continues right from our conception until we reach Heaven. In the first reading, God sends an angel before the Israelites to guard them and to bring them to the place he has prepared for them but all that they should do was to pay careful attention to him and obey him. Our life is a journey on earth till we reach our destination God. And this journey is assisted, guarded and guided by our guardian angels. All we have to do is to pay attention to him and to obey him in our journey towards the eternal life with God.

ADHERE TO GOD’S WORD

Ordinary Time: Week 26 Readings I - Ezek. 18: 25-28 II - Phil. 2: 1-11 III - Mt. 2: 1-11 ADHERE TO GOD’S WORD The three readings of the day converge at the conversion of mind and heart unto the words and ways of the Lord. The first reading says that when a righteous person turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die and when the wicked person turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and right he shall live. A righteous persons turns from his righteousness may be because of his stubbornness as did the Pharisees and the Sadducees of Jesus’ time. The Gospel passage is about the parable of the two sons in which the first son objects to obey but finally does the work the father wanted but the second obliged to obey and finally failed to do what his father said. The tax collectors, sinners and the prostitutes though lived a sinful life, amended their lives listening to the Word of the Lord. In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts to have the mind and heart of Jesus Christ who obeyed the Father even to the point of giving up His life on the Cross. The Word of God comes to us in various ways, through the Scriptures, persons, events and above all through our conscience. If we accept and align our lives unto the Word of God we shall live and inherit eternal life. Listen to Him and live a purpose filled life.

DELIGHT IN DOING GOD’S WILL

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Zec. 2: 1-5, 10-11 II - Lk. 9: 43 - 45 DELIGHT IN DOING GOD’S WILL Fame, name, pomp, glory, honour, praise or popularity can never disturb or disorient a determined, convinced, focused and highly goal oriented person. In today’s Gospel passage we read that people were astounded at the greatness of God and were amazed at all that Jesus was doing. The disciples would have been definitely dwelling in the heights of happiness and peak of pride about their master. Jesus in a way distracts and disrupts them by reminding them of the reality about his mission viz. suffering, passion, death and resurrection. Confidence in God, Clarity about his mission, focus on the goal and his great passion to accomplish the will of the Father, persuaded Jesus to proceed ahead in his ministry and mission remaining neutral to all circumstances. Almost all people in the world are mesmerized, delighted, influenced, enthralled, fascinated and captivated by praise, pride, applause, glory and honour. They are ready to do anything to attain the same. Christian living contradicts this and on the contrary calls for a commitment to God’s will. It exhorts us to change our focus from the transitory to fix our gaze on the transcendent. When we position our life centering around God, we can actualise the words of St. Paul in our own life, “…through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6: 8-10). Then, can we hear the voice of God calling us as “Beloved son/daughter”.

ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL, ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14 II - Jn. 1: 47-51 ST. MICHAEL, ST. GABRIEL, ST. RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS When Philip spoke about Jesus to Nathanael, in all his simplicity he asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (Jn. 1: 46) and still with the openness of heart he went with Philip to verify for himself if Jesus was the Messiah and he indeed beheld the truth after meeting Jesus, the Messiah. We complicate our life that is so simple, create confusion to conceal reality, and willfully reject to accept the truth. Openness of heart can overtake prejudice, simplicity can surpass stubbornness and pave way to pursue all that is true, real and lasting. Let us with simplicity and openness of heart dare to behold the truth as it comes. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. The work of St. Michael is to defeat Satan and its rebellious activities, that of St. Raphael is to be the guardian of the wayfarers and finally that of St. Gabriel is to be the messenger of God. May St. Michael help us to conquer the constant battle between the good and the evil in us defeating all that is not of/for God; St. Gabriel make us like himself the messenger of the Good News wherever we are and St. Raphael be our constant companion in our life journey until we reach our final destination, a blissful eternal life with God.

LIVE AND LET LIVE

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Haggai 1: 1-8 II - Lk. 9: 7 - 9 LIVE AND LET LIVE An exemplary living has an extraordinary impact on the lives of people living around. In today’s Gospel passage, Herod was perplexed at the thought of Jesus who accomplished great things in Galilee on account of which a large crowd was always after him. The life and teaching of John the Baptist was a stumbling block to his sinful living and therefore under the pretext of keeping his promise, he had him beheaded. The life of Jesus disturbed him so much that he wished to see him; and towards the end, he also had his part in the crucifixion of Jesus. Right to live is the basic human right of every individual. Therefore allow everyone to live their life to the full and never trample or violate because of the stereo mindset or sheer jealousy. Accept, admit, respect, revere and allow the unique life style and life pattern of the other to make this earth a heaven and a pleasant land for all children of God to live.

STRIVE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Ezra 9: 5-9 II - Lk. 9: 1 - 6 STRIVE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Gospel passage of the day is on Jesus assigning the ministry of driving away the demons, curing of diseases, proclamation of the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. Jesus entrusted the ministry to the twelve and suggested them about their means of living as well. The Gospel passage enlivens the preaching of Jesus, “But seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33); “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into the barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable” (Mt. 6:26). Hence, Jesus exhorts his disciples to concentrate on the mission than on the means of living. To preach through words is easy to everyone but to preach through life is witnessing, demanding and credible. Dare to proclaim the Good News to the sick, depressed, discourages, distressed and the downtrodden that our God is ‘Immanuel’ - God with us. Commit to heal the world with your smile, kindness, cheerfulness, compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness and gentleness. In doing all these we become credible Christians and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Keep focused on the ministry and mission entrusted, and true to the promises of the Lord, the rest will fall in line, one blessing after another, all for the glory of the Lord. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, a French saint. He is the founder of the Congregation of the Missions. St. Vincent de Paul is recognised for his charity and compassion for the poor. May the saint help us to live by the Gospel of the day

WANNA TO BE THE KITH AND KIN OF JESUS

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Ezra 8: 7-8, 12, 14-20 II - Lk. 8: 19-21 WANNA TO BE THE KITH AND KIN OF JESUS In today’s Gospel passage Jesus shows us the way to become a member of his family. When he was preaching, his mother and brothers waited outside, asking to speak to him. When the message was passed on to Jesus, Jesus stretched out his hand towards his disciples and said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it”. Jesus prescribes a higher way of relationship than mere physical one. In both the ways, Mary is his mother: in physical and in submitting herself to the will of the Father in heaven. If we adhere to the Word of God and submit to the same we too are his mother, brothers and sisters. It is challenge and a privilege. It is a challenge because the Word of God may demand us to go against our own wills, whims and fancies. It is privilege because we become a member of God’s family. Take us the challenge and inherit the privilege.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Ezra. 1: 1-8 II - Lk. 8: 16-18 LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE Today’s Gospel passage is an appeal to let our light shine. As the Gospel passage says, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bed rather place it on the stand for a better lighting. We as Christians are bestowed with various gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 12: 68) utilizing which we are called to bear fruit in this world for the glory of the Lord for we are accountable to the gifts given. We are called to lift our lights high so as to lift the world to its original order and this is what the Kingdom of God is. Let Jesus, our Master be our role model. He utilised all his power and energy in doing all good to others. He strove to lift up the world head up as children of God as an example to follow. Failing to use God’s gifts to serve each other is failing to be an ardent follower of Christ. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the parents of St. Theresa of Child Jesus. It was the faith, teaching and the exemplary life of these parents that made the children offer themselves to love the Lord all through their lives. Today we shall also pray for the parents that they may help their children to let their light shine as did the parents of St. Theresa of Child Jesus.

THE LAST SHALL BE THE FIRST

Ordinary Time: Week 25 Readings I - Is. 55: 6-9 II - Phil. 1: 20-24, 27 III - Mt. 20: 1-16 THE LAST SHALL BE THE FIRST Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the labourers in the vineyard. It is a subversive story of Jesus where all the labourers hired for the vineyard at various intervals of time are being paid equally with the message that the last shall be the first. The story epitomes the equality and justice that reign in the kingdom of God. The equality is that everyone was paid the same despite the number of labour hours they contributed; and justice is that every worker was given what was promised to him. The labourers of the early hours were unhappy about the equality and justice because they were envious that the other person who arrived later them too was paid equally. The parable of Jesus subverted the rule of the contemporary world order. The kingdom of God is the right of all persons and the one who walks on the way of the Lord inherits it from the very moment he/she decides to align his/her life to live by the law of the Lord. The parable is an invitation and encouragement to all those who are astray from the kingdom of God. It is an invitation for a deep spiritual conversion and an encouragement that it is never too late to amend our lives for inheriting the kingdom of God. Like those labourers of early hours do not become envious instead appreciate and welcome the rhythm of change in the other for the better because all are children of God and there is no one greater or smaller in God’s kingdom.

Bible Reflections I 23.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Tim. 6: 13-16

           II - Lk. 8: 4-14

                  

BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD OF GOD

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the sower and the seed.  It’s about the seed and the yield, highlighting the receptiveness of the soil it fell upon. Same sower and the same seed but the yield varied with the place where they were sowed.  Some fell on the path, while some on the rock, still others amidst the thorns and thistles and the seed that fell on the good soil produced a hundred fold.  

Based on the parable, people can be divided into four types: the hearers, the impetuous, the opportunists and the doers. Hearers can be compared to the seed that fell on the path.  This type of people just hear the Word of God and just leave it in the air without giving a second thought. They can be easily distracted.  The impetuous are quick to respond but without standing steadfast in the same.  These people can give up easily.  The opportunists understand well but waver in their steadfastness.  These people pick up what is pleasing and give up all that is demanding.  They follow the Word at their own convenience. The doers accomplish every Word of the Lord and bear witness to Him at all times. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Padre Pio.  He used to say that a person who meditates and turns his mind to God, the mirror of his soul, would seek to know his faults, correct them, moderate his impulses, and put his conscience in order.  This is exactly seed fallen on good soil.  Let us stand by the Word of God and bear witness to the same thereby making our life resolute, meaningful, and purposeful.

Bible Reflections I 22.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

             I - 1Tim. 6: 2-12

           II - Lk. 8: 1-3

WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS

Jesus came to restore the relationship with God reflected in the establishment of an egalitarian society where, freedom, fraternity, equality and justice reign and this is the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught on the streets and the lanes, preached in the synagogue and on the shores, healed the deformed and the disabled, cured of evil spirits and infirmities as a sign of the blossoming of the Kingdom of God that was so immanent. Jesus gave a giant leap in the composition of his team that consisted of women as well, as we read in the Gospel passage today. The rabbis in Israel, holding on to the law, tradition and practices withdrew themselves from associating with women and valued them as ‘no persons’, secondary citizens and inferior to men. Unlike the Jewish rabbi, Jesus befriended women and had them too to be in the team of followers. He gave them a fitting place in his team and made them the partakers of his mission as well. This is the greatest sign of equality that reign in the Kingdom of God for: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).  

There are innumerable groups of activists who protest and fight for gender equality. Men and women are never equals they are complimentary. One gets completed in the other and also one cannot exist without the other. And hence, equality in dignity has to be insisted. We are the loving children of God the Father, created in His own likeness and image and hence there is no distinction in the dignity. Violating the dignity of the other is violating oneself. Trampling the other is tampering oneself. Let us imitate the legendry life of Jesus to restore the respect and human dignity of women keeping in mind that one cannot exist without the other and that one compliments the other, for we are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Bible Reflections I 21.09.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

           I - Eph. 4: 1 - 7, 11-13

           II - Mt. 9: 9 - 13

ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST 

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus and the evangelist. Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans and therefore he was considered as a traitor by his countrymen. The tax collectors always earned the hatred of the common people because they always collected more than that was levied by the Romans and so there were financially rich. The tax collectors were considered as sinners, outcasts and scum of the Jewish society. The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person Jesus extends his invitation to follow him. The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector and followed the Lord. He has recorded the life of Jesus in his Gospel and has presented Jesus as the Promised One of God and the fulfillment of the Law and Prophesies. To the Pharisees who criticised Jesus for calling Matthew, Jesus reponded saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick……For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners”.  

The guilt feeling that arises on account of sin is the powerful weapon of the evil one that prevents us from approaching the throne of God. Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”. From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus. Matthew was shrewd to capture the set look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appealing words of Jesus. Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13). He is the Good Shepherd that leaves the ninety nine in search of the one that is lost (Lk. 15: 1-7). “God does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord knows that we are weak and fragile. Let us allow and yield ourselves unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. No more feeling of guilt or unworthiness but repentance and a will to change. May St. Matthew help us for repentance and transformation to capture the gaze and the words of Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 20.09.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1Tim. 3: 14-16

           II - Lk. 7: 31-35

                   

DO THE WILL OF GOD 

In today’s Gospel passage we read, God's wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it (Lk. 7:35). To yield ourselves unto the will of God, turning deaf to the comments, remarks, allegations, appreciations and criticism of all around is wisdom. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus Christ was affected by the accusations of the Scribes and the Pharisees because they fixed their focus on the will of God and were passionate in accomplishing the same. Hence they became so prominent and vital in the history of salvation of mankind.

We are so prone to seek appreciation and praises from the lips of the people around us. None of us wish to risk our good name or reputation. We are ready to do anything on this account. This is utter foolishness and wasting of our life in vain. Our happiness must come from God alone and this is possible only when we resolve to live by the will of God. Take delight in yielding unto the will of God and have a joyful life.

Bible Reflections I 19.09.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - 1 Tim: 3: 1-13

           II - Lk. 7: 11-17

JESUS WIPES AWAY EVERY TEAR

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, raising the dead son of the widow at Nain. He was the only son of the widow and the anguish of losing that only son moved Jesus to compassion and he voluntarily went to work a miracle for her. The empathy of Jesus enthused him to give the widow her son back alive. 

Empathy moves to compassion and compassionate heart works wonders.  The bible says, “He will wipe all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 21: 4).  Our God wishes for happiness, peace and happiness to everyone even unasked. Let us trust and hope with faith and this will be done to us.  Though delayed, it will for sure not denied.  Take heart. Trust in the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 18.09.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - Tim. 2: 1-7

           II - Lk. 7: 1-10

                    

THE WORD OF GOD IS  POWERFUL

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus, healing the salve of a centurion. We can take three learning lessons from this Gospel passage. One from Jesus and two from the centurion. The credibility in the words of Jesus and from the centurion, his regard for his slave, the Bible says that he valued him highly; and the faith of the centurion in the words of Jesus evinced in his saying, “But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed” and it happened.   

The word of God is powerful. We see people flocking to this person and that person for good and encouraging words when the promising words are propelling and are ample in the Bible. Some go a step beyond to predict the future having recourse to palmistry, numerology, medium and the like. Place the trust in the Lord who holds the future and the master of our lives. Flock to Him for all things are possible with Him and for Him. Unlike the centurion, we have received the gift of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ right from the day of our Baptism, let that light of faith neither flicker not wear out rather keep alive oiling it with the life giving and credible words of Jesus.

Bible Reflections I 17.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 24

Readings 

            I - Sir. 27: 30 - 28: 7

           II - Rom. 14: 7-9

          III - Mt. 18: 2135

FORGIVE AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN

The love of the Lord is unconditional while His forgiveness is conditional. If we forgive our neighbour only can we expect our sins too be forgiven. Forgiveness is the central theme of the readings of the day. Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the unforgiving servant. To the question raised by Peter how often he should forgive his brother, Jesus says this parable highlighting the fragility of man and the generous forgiveness of the Father. In the same way, Jesus invites us to extend forgiveness to the one who sin against us, countless times, imitating the mercy of the Father that we experience in our sinfulness.  

The bible says, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6: 36). In the prayer taught by Jesus, he gives, forgiveness of neighbour as precondition to obtain forgiveness for ourselves from God our Father. Think for a moment that if only we are to be treated by God according to the weightage of sin, none of us would dare to exist on the earth. His mercy sustains, supports and gives us hope for another new beginning with courage, hope and enthusiasm. Let us project the same to others who offend us to prove that we are the children of the merciful father.

Bible Reflections I 16.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Tim. 1: 15-17

           II - Lk. 6: 43-49

                    

A GOOD TREE YIELDS GOOD FRUIT

A grandfather was teaching his grandson about life. He said, “A terrible fight between two wolves is going on inside me. One is evil and the other is good. The evil is: anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, arrogance, resentment, ego and pride. The good is: love, peace, joy, compassion, mercy, faith, hope, empathy, kindness, humility, forgiveness and benevolence. The same fight is going on inside you and every other person as well”. The grandson thought for a while and asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The grandfather replied, “The one you feed”. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus says that a good tree bears good fruit and the bad tree bad fruit. People do no pick figs from thorns nor gather grapes from brambles. A man’s words flow words flow out of what fills his heart.   

Jesus exhorts his followers not to be mere hearers of his word but doers of the same. A person captivated by God’s words cannot but obey his words and stand by them at all times. Spikenard when crushed fills the ambient and the hand that crushes with its pleasant aroma. So too are the doers of the word of God. They prove their faith more fervently at the testing times as did Job in the Bible. These are the people who build their house on the rock that stands firm even with the flood. These are the good trees that yield good fruits, in season and out of season. These are the people who feed their soul constantly with the word of God and reap it in good deeds proving their authenticity. In this light let us examine our life whether we are mere hearers of the word or doers of the word as well yielding good fruit glorifying the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 15.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Heb. 5: 7-9

           II - Lk. 19: 25-27

OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Obedience is an act of love.  Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross that highlights the obedience of Jesus who willingly embraced the cross out of his love for the Father.  Today we celebrate the feast of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary that again highlights the obedience of Mother Mary consenting to submit herself unreservedly with utmost love, to the master plan of God for the salvation of the humankind.  The obedience of Jesus did cost him so much that as we read in the first reading, “Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death”.  The suffering of mother Mary too was great that are evident from the seven sorrows of her life (the Prophecy of Simeon, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Meeting of Jesus on his way to Calvary, the Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary, Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross and the Burial of Jesus), yill remained in fidelity to her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk. 1:38) till the end of her life her on the earth.  The obedience of Mother Mary and her Son Jesus in love brought salvation to the humankind.    

Obedience is obliges to surrender.  It is submitting ourselves unto the will of the Father.  It is suffering yet it is an expression of our supreme love for the Lord.  Disobedience can give us temporary happiness, success, glory, victory and popularity but will never fetch us life eternal. Though it is costing, it is worth yielding ourselves unto the plan of God.

Bible Reflections I 14.09.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Num. 21: 4-9

           II - Jn. 3: 13-17

                    

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 

The Lord humbles and He exalts, He strikes and He heals, He scatters and He gathers, for the sake of His benevolent love for His people. God can turn punishment into forgiveness, suffering into joy, curse into blessing, mourning into dancing and weeping into joy for the sake of His infinite mercy upon us. The Israelites sinned by speaking against the Lord and against Moses His servant; and so God sent poisonous serpents to punish them. Many of the Israelites died bitten by the serpents. Moses, prayed and pleaded for the people and hence the sign of punishment and death - the serpent, was turned to sign of forgiveness and life. Everyone bitten by the serpent looked upon the serpent set on a pole and was saved. Similarly, to save the mankind from sin and death, God sent His only son in form of a human being to save the mankind. The fall of humanity with the sin of Adam was rectified and restored by the death of the New Adam - Jesus Christ on the cross. Cross, the sign of punishment, defeat, death and shame was turned into redemption, victory, life and glory with the death of Jesus on the Cross. By one man, Adam, death entered into the world and the death of one man, Jesus, the New Adam, the entire world is saved and restored. 

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross. In St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians we read, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefor God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2: 8-10). “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Cor. 1:18). Yielding our life unto the will of the Father at all times and in all situations like Jesus, will definitely rise us up one day even if it is costing here and now. Let us learn to endure carrying our daily cross (Lk. 9 :23) as they come on our way with all love so that one day we too may be exalted for glorifying God the Father with our life here on earth.

Bible Reflections I 13.09.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

           I - Col. 3: 1-11

           II - Lk. 6: 20-26

CARE, SHARE AND BECOME ‘BLESSED’

Today’s Gospel passage comprises of four ‘blessed’ and four ‘woe’. It is a consolation to the unfortunate; and a caution to the fortunate as per the worldly standards. Jesus calls the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and the rejected as ‘blessed’ and says ‘woe’ to the rich, the wealthy, the happy and the elite. Jesus says ‘woe’ to these people not because they are rich, wealthy and revered but because they slighted and neglected the poor and the less privileged; and failed to care for and share with them. 

The concept of the kingdom of God is that we are the children of the Father in heaven and therefore we are brothers and sisters called to support, care and encourage one another as we would with our own kith and kin. Strive to become ‘blessed’ by caring for others and sharing with other what we have, not only the money and material but our time, skill and energy.

Bible Reflections I 12.09.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Col. 2: 6-15

           II - Lk. 6: 12-19

                    

ACTUALISE PRAYER IN THE ORDINARY LIVING

The hotline connection of Jesus with the Father in Prayer was reflected in his ordinary yet effective living among the people. All his ministry: preaching, healing, cleansing, performing miracles and decision making, was backed up in perfect union with God in prayer. His life of prayer geared his mission among the people despite, rejection, misunderstanding, fault finding, accusations and allegations of the religious fanatics in particular, the Scribes and the Pharisees. Therefore Jesus was able to do good wherever he went (Acts. 10:38).

Prayer is surrender. Surrender of our will, pride, ego and self-interest so that we may be able to discern what actually God wants of us. If the life of prayer betrays our ordinary living with the people then it is hypocrisy. We many spend hours and hours in prayer but if that prayer does not help us or rather lead us to forgive, help, care, share, empathise and above all to love others as ourselves, then it is duplicity and double standard living that the Lord detests. Like Jesus, our prayer should lead us to an integrated living that is powerful and witnessing.

Bible Reflections I 11.09.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

           I - Col. 1: 24-2:3

           II - Lk. 6: 6-11                    

STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT 

Today’s Gospel passage is about Jesus healing a man with the weathered hand on a Sabbath day. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were watching whether he would heal him so that they can find some reason to accuse him. The man with the weathered hand did not ask for a healing but Jesus on his own initiated the healing with the intention of refuting the Pharisees about their hypocrisy in observing the Sabbath. Jesus indeed knew that this act would definitely earn the wrath of the Pharisees, still he stood up for what was right: to do good and to save life on the Sabbath; and this is lawful, noble, human and religious.  

Often times we do know what is right and truthful but still we hesitate to side the same because of the fear of losing relationship, reputation, name, fame, power and position. We remain so inhuman in willfully denying to stand by what is just and truth despite seeing the other helpless and suffering. It is heartrending, sinful and sorrowing for the Lord says, “Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place” (Jer. 22:3). Dare to stand up for what is right after the example of Jesus our Lord and Master.

Bible Reflections I 10.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 23

Readings 

            I - Ezk. 33: 7-9

           II - Rom. 13: 8-10

          III - Mt. 18: 15-20          

BRING BACK THE STRAYED

The crux of the three readings of the day is about the straying sheep to the sheepfold. In the first reading God exhorts to warn the wicked to turn from his way. Failing to do so will be responsible for the person who dies in his iniquity. By warning the wicked, we not only save his soul, we save our own soul as well. In the Gospel passage Jesus gives a ‘bringing back process’ of the sinned: first to point out when the person is alone; second, by taking along one or two persons; and finally to hand him to the Church. This process has to be done all in love because in the second reading St. Paul says that love does no wrong to a neighbour. Only in dealing with love, shall we be just and merciful.  

There are four ways in treating the one who wrongs: one, to be revengeful; two, to be indifferent; three, to defame and four to point out the mistake in love with an intention to correct that person. In the light of the readings of the day, examine every one of your action towards your neighbour. Where there is love there is no rash judgment, condemning, backbiting and defaming. Have courage to point out in love so that we may have the privilege of bringing the strayed to the sheepfold.

Bible Reflections I 09.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

          I - Col. 1: 21-23

          II - Lk. 6: 1-5

          

LIVE BY THE LAW OF LOVE 

At the time of Jesus the Sabbath, the day of rest, was merely diluted to a day of ‘don’t dos’. Abstinence from all work and availability to the Lord is he crux of the observance of Sabbath. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus defends his disciples saying, “The Son of man is the Lord of Sabbath”. The disciples were walking with Jesus, in total availability to the Lord and that is Sabbath. Hence the disciples were perfect in observing the Sabbath. Jesus by defending his disciples, clarifies the vision of the religious leaders to fix focus on the spirit of Law rather than burdening and oppressing people under the pretext of the observance of the Law.  

One does not become a religious by mere observance of its rules and rituals. Prayer, fasting, penance, abstinence and all acts of piety should help the person to be available to the Lord and His demands of love, otherwise they are self-gratification and hypocrisy that the Lord detests. Let us live by the essence of the law of the Lord than focusing on rituals and rules of the religion.

Bible Reflections I 08.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

         I - Micah 5: 2-5

        II - Mt. 1: 1-16, 18-23                    

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

Birthdays are significant in association with the relationship one holds with that person. We behold the birthday of our dear and near ones with joy and jubilation for unto us was that day given a gift so great, gorgeous and gracious. Today the Church celebrates the Birthday of the Blessed Mary, the mother of the Lord and the mother of all humankind. The Church solemnises the birthday of three persons only: John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, the promised One of God. Mother Mary is the queen of the heaven and of the earth yet, she is the mother of us all, the sinful and the sorrowful; the weak and the lowly. Mother’s love is so supreme that it surpasses and supersedes all love here on earth. Her merciful look, kind words, compassionate heart, loving deeds, helping hands, hurrying feet to the needy child and her sacrificing life are incomparable that knows no bounds. Every mother is the personification of Gods’ love to her children and the mother of Jesus, given to us as our mother is the perfect reflection of the heart of her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. In all her apparitions, Mother Mary exhorts people to pray so that they may align their lives unto the ways of God that leads to Heaven, the ultimate destination of all humankind.  

We in Tamil Nadu in particular solemnise this day celebrating the feast of our Lady of Velankanni. A day dear to all the devotees of Our Lady of Good Health who flock to her church on foot with a mixture of emotions; joy, gratitude, sorrow, pain, suffering, hope, love, anxiety and faith. Let us intensify our prayers for all the devotees that they may be blessed by our Blessed Mother and their intentions fulfilled for the greater glory of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Mother Mary, our Lady of Velankanni, Pray for us”.

Bible Reflections I 06.09.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

           I - Col. 1: 1-8

           II - Lk. 4: 38-44

          

 ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH JESUS  

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus after teaching in the synagogue, cures peter’s mother-in-law in particular and heals the sick, the ailing and the possessed, that were brought to him thereafter. Let us take up the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law for our reflection today. Jesus entered into peter’s house, stood over his mother-in-law and rebuked the fever and instantly she was healed and began to serve him.

All of us encounter so many problems in our day-to-day life. The personal, physical, mental, moral, psychological, financial and social problems may overwhelm and weigh us down. May our heart learn to recognise the powerful presence of Jesus amidst them and intercede with him to heal, to eradicate, to help, to accept and to face the same with him. Overcoming all these problems with Jesus, strive to serve him with all our heart, mind, strength and will

Bible Reflections I 05.09.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

            I - I Thess. 5: 1-6, 9-11

           II - Lk. 4: 31-37

FEAST OF SAINT THERESA OF KOLKATA

Today the Church joyfully and proudly celebrates the feast of Mother and Saint Theresa of Kolkata. Mother Theresa was a generous soul, served as the messenger of God and ambassador of His love to lighten and brighten up the lives of so many poor, neglected and the abandoned of the Kolkata streets. She was a simple person with tremendous faith in God and passionate in the works of Charity as an expression of her love ardent love for the Lord. When an American Journalist who had come for an interview found her cleansing the wounds of the leper and bandaging the same remarked, “I wouldn’t touch that man for a million dollars”. Mother Theresa lovingly said, “For a million dollars, I wouldn’t touch him either. I would do it for Jesus”. 

Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, the original name of Mother Theresa, was born in 1910 in Albania. She joined the Loreto sisters when she was eighteen years. She came to Darjeeling, India in 1929 to complete her novitiate. She took the religious name Theresa in honour of St. Theresa of Child Jesus. She was serving as headmistress of a school in Kolkata. Moved by the poverty and plight of the poor and the abandoned, she left the Loreto and started serving the destitute becoming a poor among the poor. She brought light and sunshine in the lives of people who dwelled in dark, abandoned by all in the world. 

Mother Theresa, the champion of the humanist was awarded with a Nobel Prize in 1979 for her untiring work in the alleviation of poverty and the plight of the humanity especially the neglected sections of the society. She refused the honour banquet and requested the expenditure for the same $ 1,92,000 to be used for the poor in India. She founded her congregation ‘The order of the Missionaries of Charity” in 1948, to carry on her work of charity all over in India and in the world. In the crazy world of money, power, pomp and glory, let us dare to turn to Mother Theresa for a simplicity of heart and profound love for God in our simple works of charity done in great faith. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “St. Theresa, Pray for us”.

Today in India, we also celebrate the Teachers’ Day. Revere teachers for their selfless sacrifice and utmost dedication in the task of forming young minds for a better society by empowering them through education. Remember all your teachers, thank God for them and offer special prayers for them for in their services vests the future of the nation.

Bible Reflections I 04.09.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

           I - 1 Thess. 4: 13-18

           II - Lk. 4: 16-30

          

FAITH FAVOURS

Today’s Gospel passage is on the manifesto of the public ministry of Jesus.  As Jesus finished reading the passage of Prophet Isaiah, all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him, he won the approval of all and they were astonished by the gracious word that came from his lips. Still the bias of the people that Jesus was a carpenter’s son prevented them to go beyond to trust him.  Therefore as the bible says, “He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith” (Mt. 13:58).  He came to his own and his own accepted him not (Jn. 1:11).

Each person is unique. Everyone has their own role to play in this world.  Judging from the background, we too are sometimes prone to miss people for what they are.  Accept everyone in the name of the Lord going beyond prejudice, likes and dislikes.  There are still prophets and persons of God amidst us. It is up to us to behold them in faith in order to behold the blessings of the Lord.

Bible Reflections I 03.09.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 22

Readings 

            I - Jer. 20: 7-9

           II - Rom. 12:1-2

          III - Mt. 16: 21-27

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS OF GOD

The readings of the day invites us to set our mind on things of God as Jesus in the Gospel reading of the day. In the second reading St. Paul says that we have to conform our mind not to this world but be conduct our lives discerning and living by the will of God. In the first reading, prophet Jeremiah despite suffering chooses again and again to proclaim God’s Word though it was not pleasing to the people of God. In the Gospel passage Jesus says convincingly chooses to go to Jerusalem so as to fulfill the Father’s will for the salvation of he world.

We are the children of God. If we are His Children, we must be ready to discern and live by God’s holy will. We cannot follow the standards of the world that are pleasing but must be willing to offer ourselves as sacrifice to God in every move we make, going against the standards of the world. Set your mind not on the world with all its whims but on God’s will that goes against the whims of the world.

Bible Reflections I 02.09.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1 Thess. 4: 9-11

           II - Mt. 25: 14-30

ARE YOU A FAITHFUL SERVENT?

Today’s Gospel passage is about the parable of the talents. The masters entrusts to the servants five, two and one talents, according to their ability and goes on his journey. The first two servants who received five and two talents multiplied them through their hard work and returned as ten and four talents respectively to their master on his return. The third servant returned the one he received besides accusing the master himself saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed”. The good and faithful servants received their rewards and; the wicked and the slothful servant received his punishment.  

Like the master in the parable, God has entrusted each of us with talents with great trust and confidence. He has entrusted unconditionally without any strings attached to it. But it is our responsibility to be industrious in utilizing the same in building up the humanity. Otherwise we will resemble that wicked servant who did nothing but blamed the master himself, for his laziness. We need not compare the talents with one another but be convinced that we are given according to our ability. In the light of this Gospel passage let us examine how we utilise our God given talents. At the end of time the Lord will reward those who serve him and the humanity with the talents given and punish those who are irresponsible and slothful.

Bible Reflections I 01.09.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 4: 1-8

           II - Mt. 25: 1-13

REMAIN EVER READY AND EVER PREPARED

The Gospel passage is about the ten bridesmaids awaiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish.  The wise five were proactive and vigilant in carrying a flask of oil with them so that they may be ready even if the bridegroom arrived late.  They were resolute and purposeful; and entered the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  The foolish five were negligent and careless that they failed to carry a flask of oil with them so they were unprepared to welcome the bridegroom at his arrival.  They were irresolute and lost the purpose; and missed entering the wedding hall with the bridegroom.  

Preparedness, with prudence and perseverance rewards achieving the purpose of entering into that wedding banquet of the Lord.  Those who are agile and aright aligning their ways unto the way of the Lord enter the banquet with the Him at the end of their life here on earth.  We have been gifted with the light of Christ at the time of our baptism representing our transition from death to life in Christ.  It is our bounden duty to keep it alight until the day of Lord.  Persistence in living the Gospel values of life and prudence in remaining in the same, with utmost steadfastness; unperturbed by the allurements of the world can keep one ever ready for that all important moment of seeing the Lord face to face; walking hand in hand with him into that royal wedding banquet of the Lord prepared all in love for us.

Bible Reflections I 31.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - 1Thess. 3: 7-13

           II - Mt. 24: 42-51

SO WE LIVE SO WE DIE

According to the Gospel passage today there are two groups of people who are doomed to inherit the eternal damnation viz. the unready and the hypocrites. Because both are concerned about everything other than the essential, the love of God and the love of neighbour. Preparedness and vigilance is essential to behold the Master as He comes. We die the way we live.

The trending wellness concept of the day is “mindfulness”. Mindfulness is being fully present to oneself and to the happenings around. When were are present to ourselves, persons and happenings around, centered on God, we can live our life healthier, better, fruitful and satisfied. This is the simple technique yet highly magical in leading us towards a sacrosanct living that inherits eternal bliss. Mindfulness paves way to meet the Lord with preparedness and vigilance.

Bible Reflections I 30.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - I Thess. 2: 9-13

           II - Mt. 23: 27-32

ST. EUPHRASIA ELUVATHINGAL

Lives of saints show us the way they stepped to reach the heart of God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Euphrasia Eluvathingal, an Indian Carmelite nun of the Syro-Malabar Church.  Euphrasia was born on 17 October, 1877 in the family of Eluvathingal Cherpukaran Anthony and Kunjethy in the Kattur village of Edathuruthy parish. Her father was well known, wealthy man of determination and power.  Rosa fully inherited the parental virtues. She was extremely calm and composed with a deep spirit of prayer and great devotion to the Mother of God. She was called as Rosa at home.  When she was a child she asked her mother about the meaning of ‘Queen of Angels’.  The mother told her then about Mother Mary and the angels and also added that they angels always adored the Lord.  The very night our Blessed Mother appeared to Rosa in her dream and made her adore the Lord along with the Choirs of Angels. This happened for continuous three days.  She also had the vision of the Holy Family” Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal lived every moment of her life loving and worshipping God and serving Him in her fellow creatures, her suffering brothers and sisters. She was canonised as a saint by Pope Francis on 23 November 2014 in Vatican City. Mother 

The life of saints encourage, motivate and spur us to grow in sanctity or the perfection.  May the wonderful and exemplary life of St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal help us to yield ourselves unto the will of the Lord. Don not be like the Pharisees and the Sadducees of the Gospel passage of the day who appeared to be spiritual but not. Let our credibility shine through our words and deeds.

Bible Reflections I 29.08.2023 - TUESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1: 17-19

           II - Mk. 6: 17-29

BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Church today remembers the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. St. John the Baptist was simple, that he had no pomp and glory in his living; straightforward in pointing the pointing the mistakes of the people be it even a king and steadfast in preparing the way of the Lord through his baptism of conversion. He was beheaded because he was outright in pointing the mistake of the Herod that it was not right for Herod to live with his brother’s wife. This truth hurt Herodias badly and she waited for a chance to outlet her vengeance and rightly utilised also the opportunity in instigating her daughter. Though Herod knew that St. John the Baptist was right and holy man, he gave in to his ego and cowardice. Herodias’ daughter also had her share in this beheading, her failure to discern and decide about her gift. 

We can draw four lessons from the beheading of St. John the Baptist: one, the courage of St. John the Baptist to stand for the truth come what may, even if it cost our life; two, never let vengeance flag at the cost of the destruction of the other; three, have courage to stand for the truth subduing our ego and finally, make discernment at every juncture of life.

Bible Reflections I 28.08.2023 - MONDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

            I - I Thess. 1: 1-5, 8-10

           II - Mt. 23: 13-22

ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR

Not all saints start out saintly. The complete conversion of St Augustine of Hippo has been an inspiration to many who desire to turn back to God. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Augistine of Hippo, the Doctor of the Church.  He is the patron saint of brewers because of his conversion from a former life that included entertainment, parties and worldly ambitions.  Augustine was born in Tagaste in the year 354. His father, Patricius, was a Roman official, a pagan and his mother, Monica was a pious Christian lady. Monica prayed often that her family would be Christians. Patricius converted to Christianity just before his death. Augustine took so many years for conversion of heart still Monica never gave up her faith in the conversion of Augustine and prayed for him fervently with tears that he might one day be touched by Christ.   Augustine followed his own religious explorations as a Manichean and later a Platonist. Augustine became a professor of the liberal arts and befriended his contemporary, St. Jerome. The restless intellectual was convinced by the sermon of St. Ambrose on Easter and was baptised by him in 387. His autobiography ‘Confessions’ contains the story of his conversion. 

Love of God and love of neighbour are the axis upon which revolves the whole of law and the prophecy.   Under the pretext of being faithful to the law of the Lord to its minutest details, the Scribes and the Pharisees have multiplied and made the observance of the law more difficult, cumbersome, tiring, impossible and disgusting.  The essence of the law was diluted to mere ritual and a hypocrisy. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus reprimands such pharisaic attitude of hypocrisy and insists on the importance of the indispensable higher value of life grounded on love. May the saint of the day help us to be credible Christians with conviction.

Bible Reflections I 27.08.2023 - SUNDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 21

Readings 

           I - Is. 22: 19-23

           II - Rom. 11: 33-36

          III - Mt. 18: 13-20

GOD CHOOSES WHOMEVER HE WANTS

In the second reading of the day, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans says that unsearchable are God’s judgments and inscrutable are his ways. He chooses whomever he wants for accomplishing His mission. None can complain or contradict or counsel Him. He enthrones as well as dethrones. None can question or argue with Him. In the first reading, God chooses Eliakim to be the king of Jerusalem. To Him would He entrust the key of the house of David. In the Gospel passage, Jesus chooses Simon Peter, the impetuous fisherman to lead the New Israel, the People of God handing him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. God does not call the qualified rather He calls and qualifies. Qualification befitting to the mission entrusted: to lead his little flock.   

We are called by God for a purpose. He has not created us in vain. All we need to do is to wait for Him and to discern His will with diligence. Pray in a special way today for all our church leaders and the leaders of the nation as well that they may lead the Church and the latter the nation according to the Plan of God.

Bible Reflections I 26.08.2023 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 2: 1, 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17

           II - Mt. 23: 1-12

BECOME HUMBLE AND MEEK 

As subordinates, submit to the authority and as superiors, serve like a slave is the crux of the Gospel passage today.  Jesus instructs both, the subordinates and the superiors.  He exhorts the people to abide by the teachings of the Scribes and the Pharisees as they are delegated with the authority from God Himself and insists that the greatness of the leaders vest in their service to the flock that is entrusted. A leader should be a servant of all.  

To submit and to serve is possible to the one who is humble.  It takes courage and conviction to remain humble ignoring pride, honour, glory, pomp, fame and popularity. Humble persons are always aglow in spirit that attracts the attention and admiration of all, inspiring and inviting them to imitate the same.  May the grace of God wrap us with humility, simplicity and meekness to submit and to serve, solely for the glory of God.

Bible Reflections I 25.08.2023 - FRIDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Ruth 1: 1, 3-6, 14-16, 22

           II - Mt. 22: 34-40

STAY HUMBLE

in today’s Gospel passage the Pharisees and the Sadducees plan to trick Jesus and a lawyer approaches Jesus with a question solely with the intention of testing him, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  This projects the self-righteousness and the ‘all knowing’ attitude of the religious leaders comprising the upper hierarchy of the Jewish society. Pride and arrogance are the byproducts of self-righteousness which was the greatest obstacle for the so called ‘all knowing’ religious leaders to identify and accept Jesus as the Promised Messiah. 

Self-righteousness and pride obstructs from accepting the truth, arrogance alleviates the power of understanding and above all self-righteousness makes one to willfully miss the mark barricading the truth that is God Himself.  Jesus is the Gospel, the Good News that can only be beheld with simplicity, humility and openness of heart.  Let us give up self-righteousness, the premier enemy of the Gospel to discover the ‘all powerful, all loving, all knowing and all merciful” God.

Bible Reflections I 24.08.2023 - THURSDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

           I - Rev. 21: 9-14

           II - Jn. 1: 45-51

 ST. BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE 

The Church celebrates the feast of St. Bartholomew also known as Nathaniel mentioned in the Gospel passage today. Nathaniel had a similar prejudiced attitude like any other Jew, “Can anything good come from Nazareth”. But still, with the simplicity of heart, forthright mind and openness to the truth adhered to Phillip’s, “Come and see”. This is why Jesus commented at Nathaniel saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”. Nathaniel went, saw, spoke to Jesus and was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and thereafter followed him.  

Most of us have an opinionated outlook about someone or something. Every mind is prejudiced about every other person because of here say, experiences, encounters, rumours and gossips. We are often adamant to amend our ideas, notions and thought patterns; and estimate people form the place they come, to the family the belong, the caste and creed of the person, educational background, their lifestyle and their affluence and status in the society. In this bargain, we may miss Jesus present in the other person. May the feast of St. Bartholomew, help us to give up our prejudice and discover Jesus, the Truth in every person and event.

Bible Reflections I 23.08.2023 - WEDNESDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Ordinary Time: Week 20

Readings 

            I - Judg. 9: 6-15

           II - Mt. 20: 1-16

SAINT ROSA OF LEEMA

STRIVE TO INHERIT LIFE ETERNAL

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus speaks about the reward of those who strive for the Kingdom of God. Towards the end of the Gospel passage Jesus says, “The last will be first and the first will be last”. He speaks of the absolute equity and equality in the kingdom of heaven. There are some who are saints right from their birth, there are others who take a U-turn towards God at one point of their life time and while there are still others who gain paradise at the last breathe of their life. Yet all partake in the glory of the bliss to the full with no distinction, for God shows no difference nor is He partial.

The voice of the Lord beckons to set our life on the right track that leads to life eternal. To adhere to the Lord’s voice, return to him, amending our ways unto His, usher bliss of paradise, the heritage of all human being created in the image and likeness of God. Some listen to His voice, others neglect while still some other slight the same. When we conduct our life in vain after money, power, possession, pleasure and wealth, the voice of the Lord would definitely interrupt, inviting us for a greater purpose of attaining heaven, the blissful eternal life.